Penn State quarterback commit Ethan Grunkemeyer earns Elite 11 invite
Penn State will again be represented at the Elite 11 finals. New Class of 2024 quarterback commit Ethan Grunkemeyer threw his way into the prestigious event during Sunday’s regional camp stop in State College.
The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Lewis Center, Ohio senior-to-be committed to the Nittany Lions on Saturday. A day later, he impressed the Elite 11 organizers at State College Area High School. He follows in the footsteps of freshman Jaxon Smolik and sophomore Drew Allar, who both participated in the Elite 11 before arriving in State College. Both were in attendance on Sunday.
This year’s Elite 11 will be held June 14-16 in Los Angeles, Calif. A three-star in the On3 Industry rankings, Grunkemeyer is the nation’s No. 39 passer in the Class of 2024.
Grunkemeyer explains Penn State pledge
Grunkemeyer caught up with BWI recruiting expert Ryan Snyder to explain his Penn State pick.
“I think I really fit in with their culture and their personalities,” Grunkemeyer said. “They have a lot of good quarterback minds in their room. Coach [Danny] O’Brien and Coach Yurcich both played the position and are really good coaches. I feel like I really fit in and can learn a lot from them.”
In an interview with On3’s Chad Simmons, the passer also discusses his relationship with Yurcich.
“I think Coach Yurcich does a really good job with his quarterbacks,” Grunkemeyer said. “I think I can go there and get really developed as a quarterback, on and off the field with film, as well as cleaning up technique and everything.”
What are the Lions getting in Grunkemeyer?
BWI film analyst Thomas Frank Carr broke down the quarterback’s talents following his Penn State pledge.
“Grunkemeyer didn’t have a great supporting cast in a tough Ohio football conference last season, Carr writes. “Despite that, he elevated his team to several wins against top opponents in the region. While the Olentangy Braves’ offense isn’t to my taste, Grunkemeyer operated it well. His reads weren’t always complex, but he was asked to manage a spread offense with up-tempo, no-huddle elements.
“Much was on his shoulders, and he delivered routinely. Given a better supporting cast at Penn State, Grunkemeyer has unique qualities that could make him a star quarterback. At the very least, he should be a quality starter capable of putting Penn State in a position to compete in the Big Ten East, should he ever win a starting role. With arm talent and room to grow, Grunkemeyer is the rare high-floor, high-ceiling prospect.”
